Construction Crew Leader

Responsibilities

• Assist with hands-on construction tasks including, but not limited to, demolition, site prep, framing, insulation, drywall, flooring, finish carpentry, and landscaping. Projects may include new and gut rehab homes.
• Lead small groups of volunteers, ensuring that they are well-employed while on the work sites.
• Use volunteer management techniques to facilitate positive experiences for volunteers and homeowner families working on-site.
• Collaborate with construction staff to identify skilled/enthusiastic volunteers and cultivate their involvement in Habitat’s work (i.e. encourage them to consider being trained as regular site leaders and/or returning volunteers).
• Maintain site safety through modeling of safety practices and guidelines, volunteer education, and site monitoring. Attend safety trainings with our construction staff. Provide on-site orientations and safety talks to groups of volunteers and homeowner families.
• Help with materials management on site and at the affiliate warehouse and storage trailers. Pick up and organize materials needed for projects.
• Set up and clean-up project sites.
• Maintain site logs for each project completed in order for supervisor to assess progress and next steps.
• Participate in regular planning and debriefing meetings as needed.
• Attend and participate in select affiliate events; responsibilities may include setup, cleanup, and engaging with attendees and informing them about the AmeriCorps program, our affiliate’s mission and Neighborhood Revitalization programming, and how to become a volunteer and/or homeowner family
• On occasion, assist with Neighborhood Revitalization tasks, including but not limited to critical home repair projects, neighborhood cleanup initiatives, community safety packages, and improvements to recreation centers or other public amenities.

Required meetings, trainings and events

Minimum expectations are outlined below with the understanding that further trainings may be required, as determined by the host site, Habitat for Humanity International or the Corporation for National and Community Service.

• Onsite orientation to local host.
• First Aid/CPR.
• Habitat Learns – “Foundation of Habitat” online series.
• Lockton safety online courses.
• Annual sponsored blitz build – Habitat AmeriCorps Build-a-Thon.
• National days of service:
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (required).
  • September 11^th National Day of Service and Remembrance and AmeriCorps Week (encouraged).
• Host site monitoring reviews and periodic check-in calls.
• Monthly meeting with host site manager.
• Bi-weekly meeting with direct supervisor.
• Life After AmeriCorps training.
• Staff, construction committee and board meetings and home dedications, as appropriate.
• Annual staff or AmeriCorps team build day.
• Individual and/or group professional development trainings may be made available based on budget, member interest and recommendation of the host site manager or direct supervisor.
• Host site events as appropriate, including but not limited to our Building Hope Luncheon (May), Ride for Homes (June), Young Professionals’ Habi-Hour (November), Next Gen Builds (October), and Builder’s Challenge (July/August). Participation in these events will be in line with AmeriCorps program regulations.

Experience, knowledge and skills

Required

• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet host site’s insurance requirements (must be at least 21 years of age and have no serious driving-related convictions or at-fault accidents).

Preferred

• Previous experience with a residential homebuilder or as a construction AmeriCorps member.
• Experience with power tools.
• Ability to drive large pick-up trucks (or willingness to learn).
• Knowledge of, and willingness to promote, the mission and activities of Habitat for Humanity International and AmeriCorps.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with volunteers, teaching or group facilitation.
• Experience working as a member of a larger team.
• A second language is highly desirable, with preferred language being Spanish.
• Knowledge of community development practices.
• Basic experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and Excel.
• High school diploma, GED, or technical school degree

Physical requirements

• Ability to be on one’s feet for extended periods of time, often on rough and uneven terrain.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to work on ladders and heights up to two stories.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions – sites are often not heated during winter and not air-conditioned during summer.

Service site environment

Service site is an active construction site, often with rough and uneven terrain. Members will serve both indoors and outdoors during all types of weather. Construction tools will be provided. Members will have access to a shared computer station in the affiliate office to check service-related email and complete timesheets and reporting.

Will a personal vehicle be required? ☐ Yes  ☒ No

Considerable travel to various sites, homes, or warehouses is required. If member possesses a valid driver’s license, he or she will be able to use affiliate vehicles (note: must be at least 21 years of age with no serious driving-related convictions or at-fault accidents) to travel between the offices, warehouses, and construction sites, as well as for trips to purchase construction materials. Members will be able to easily travel to and between Habitat projects via public transportation. If a member uses a personal vehicle to travel between service sites, he or she will be reimbursed for these service-related travel expenses according to the affiliate reimbursement policy. If a member uses public transportation, the member will also be reimbursed for these service-related travel expenses.

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia is located in the heart of where our country was founded. The region is rich in cultural and ethnic diversity. Philadelphia is an ideal location to take advantage of all the area has to offer, including both urban activities and natural retreats. Visit the Liberty Bell and countless historical sites, stroll around the vibrant and varied neighborhoods, take a day-trip to the beach, enjoy lively restaurants and cafes, bike through Fairmount Park—the possibilities are limitless. Philadelphia has something to offer for everybody. As Philadelphia rapidly grows and develops, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia’s work to preserve the rich fabric of our neighborhoods becomes increasingly important. We work to maintain homeownership opportunities and improve the quality of life for individuals and families through new home construction, home rehabilitations, home repairs, and various community projects. This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia’s continuing growth as we strive to meet the need for affordable homeownership and repair opportunities in Philadelphia. AmeriCorps members contribute a year of service, and in return receive a modest living stipend, a basic health insurance plan, an education award, job training, and personal and professional growth opportunities. You will leave your year of service not only with new transferable skills, but also with a sense of community that comes with no other employment opportunity.